NAFTA traffic still falling

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 28 percent lower in July 2009 than in July 2008, dropping to $51.5 billion in the seventh consecutive month with a year-to-year decline of greater than 27 percent, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

BTS reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 1.6 percent in July 2009 from June 2009. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in July was up 7.2 percent compared to July 2004, and up 38.1 percent compared to July 1999. Imports in July were up 30.1 percent compared to July 1999, while exports were up 48.6 percent.

U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $31 billion in July, down 33.8 percent compared to July 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 29 percent lower in July 2009 compared to July 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 24.3 percent lower during this period.

U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $20.5 billion in July, down 17.1 percent compared to July 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 13.7 percent lower in July 2009 than July 2008 while the value of exports carried by truck was 14.7 percent lower.